Rio Ferdinand is out of Manchester United's Premier League game with Stoke tonight at Old Trafford.

Sir Alex Ferguson is understood to have decided to rest Ferdinand ahead of United's third round FA Cup tie against Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Ferdinand, who missed most of last season with a back problem, has played United's last five games and Fergie has decided to give the 32-year-old a breather ahead of the visit of arch rivals Liverpool.

Chris Smalling is expected to come into the United line-up to partner skipper Nemanja Vidic in central defence.